Practice Area: Elder Abuse

Stop Elder Abuse with Help from Our San Francisco Elder Abuse Lawyer

When it is time to place a grandparent, parent, or another family member in a long-term care facility, the last thing on your mind should be your loved one’s safety. Unfortunately, care providers are most often the perpetrators of financial, physical, sexual and mental abuse of the elderly population. If you suspect your loved one has been victimized, then you should consult an attorney specializing in elder care. When your loved one’s safety and well-being is in jeopardy, a San Francisco elder abuse lawyer can help investigate the circumstances and purse the available remedies.

The Brandi Law Firm is committed to helping victims of elder neglect and elder abuse. We understand the legal, emotional and medical consequences an injury can have on an elder or dependent adult. Our law firm had attorneys who focus on elder care neglect cases. We can seek justice on behalf of your loved one, whether that includes suing a nursing home for negligence or pursuing available remedies for abuse. We understand nursing home abuse laws and have years of experience helping those who have experienced elder neglect.

What Rights Do Nursing Home Residents Have?

The law provides nursing home residents specific rights. California law provides that residents of long term care facilities have rights pertaining to quality of life, privacy, transfer, discharge, visits, medical treatment, confidentiality and freedom from restraint and abuse. These rights include:

Patients have the right to with dignified and respectful treatment.

Residents have the right to quality medical treatment and care.

The right to have a legal representative act on their behalf in exercising these rights at the patient’s direction or when the patient is incapacitated.

Residents have the right to report violations of their rights without the fear of retaliation.

If you believe an elder care facility violated your friend or family member’s rights, then speak with a lawyer specializing in elder care right away. Time is of the essence. An elder abuse lawyer can help you pursue compensation for the suffering your loved one has endured. Exposing negligent long-term care facilities and caretakers sends a clear message that this type of conduct is intolerable. Perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect may even face criminal prosecution, depending on the particular facts and circumstances.

What Are Common Signs of Elder Abuse?

Identifying elder abuse or neglect is the first step in stopping it. When visiting your loved one in a long-term care or assisted living facility, be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect:

Bedsores. The feet, legs, buttocks, and back are the most common areas where bedsores appear. Check these areas for soft spots, red marks, discoloration and bruises. The presence of any of these could indicate bedsores are developing. This is often the result when a bedridden elder has not been repositioned as necessary to avoid injury.

Hygiene Issues. Nursing home residents should be routinely bathed, their teeth should be regularly brushed, hair combed, and garments changed every day.

Interactions with caregivers. When a caregiver or medical attendant appears to be hostile, impatient or otherwise unfriendly, it may be a sign that abuse or neglect occurs when no one is watching. Overworked and uncooperative caregivers are often perpetrators of abuse. If these signs are present, you might have cause to suspect elder abuse.

Injuries. Broken bones, sprains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, welts, and dislocations may result from a fall or an assault by a caregiver.

Behavioral or Personality Changes. Dramatic shifts in behavior are signs that mental, physical or sexual abuse is occurring.

Weight. Sudden and unexpected weight loss might be a sign of malnutrition or inadequate caloric intake.

Financial Issues. If there is a change in your loved one’s finances or you notice suspicious charges to their accounts, then it may be the result of financial abuse.

Nursing Home Neglect? Call Out San Francisco Elder Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, pick up the phone and call an attorney specializing in elder law. An experienced lawyer will evaluate your circumstances, at no cost, and take swift action to end the abuse. Our elder abuse attorney can help you pursue fair and just compensation for your loved one’s suffering. Contact us today or call 800-425-1986 to schedule your free initial consultation.